Page 41 of The Fragile Truth

Talon threw Josette an exasperated look. “Gran, she already proved herself earlier today when she saved Effie from getting run over.”

Josette grunted, rolling her eyes. Her behavior reminded Sadie of an insolent child who enjoyed pitching fits for the sake of getting attention.

Effie’s eyes shimmered with gratitude. “Thank you,” she breathed.

“I’m glad I was there,” Sadie answered, and she meant that to the depth of her soul.

“I would be honored to have you as my backup protection,” Effie added.

Banks spoke up. “I have no problem with Sadie providing backup. However, I don’t think it’s necessary for her to pose as our personal chef.”

“What can it hurt?” Madeline chimed in as she turned to Banks.

“You know I don’t like having strangers in our home,” he muttered. “It’s hard enough to be constantly in the limelight without having our home invaded.” He shot Sadie a disgruntled look.

A look passed between Madeline and Talon. Sadie sensed that Talon was asking his mother to help smooth things over.

“You’ll be gone to New York for the majority of the time Sadie is there,” Madeline said coaxingly. “It will only be for a short while, until Lina is caught.” Madeline searched his face. “I can give Sadie a list of your favorite foods to prepare. And Sadie won’t live at our home. She’ll come several times a week.” Madeline looked at Sadie for confirmation.

“I’m at your disposal,” Sadie answered. “I’ll divide my time between preparing your meals and visiting the hotel to make sure that Effie stays safe.”

“We’ll need to provide Sadie with an office,” Talon said, as if thinking aloud. “That will give her an excuse to frequent the hotel.”

Madeline looked at Banks, her expression imploring. “What do you think, hon?”

“Fine,” he huffed.

Triumph blipped over Madeline’s terrific-looking face. “Good. It’s all settled.”

“I still don’t trust her,” Josette croaked, eyeing Sadie with disdain.

Madeline made a face. “You don’t trust anyone.”

“Trust has to be earned,” Josette spat.

“Thanks, everyone,” Talon said, closing the meeting and effectively cutting off any further arguments. “The bodyguards are due to arrive this evening.” He eyed Ian. “I will expect to get a daily report from either you or Sadie.”

“Will do,” Ian said.

As everyone stood, Josette came hobbling over to Sadie, clutching her cane in her bony, weblike hand. “I’ll be watching you,” she warned as she peered over her glasses. With a grunt, she continued past in labored, crooked steps.

Sadie was taken aback by the venomous glint in Josette’s beady glare. Foreboding trickled down Sadie’s spine as she caught eyes with Ian. Humor brushed his handsome face as if to say,Told you Josette was a force to be reckoned with.

“Just ignore her,” Madeline said with a flick of her hand. “Josette’s not happy unless she’s stirring up trouble.” Her voice gathered enthusiasm. “Shall we go to my office, so we can talk menus?”

“Sure,” Sadie answered.

Talon gave Madeline a reproving look. “Mom, you do realize that Sadie is only pretending to be your personal chef, right?”

“Of course,” Madeline retorted. “But I might as well get some good food out of the deal. I’ve considered hiring a personal chef for years, but your dad never would go along with it.”

“Don’t get used to the idea,” Banks warned. “The minute Lina is found, we go back to normal.”

Madeline chuckled lightly. “I know the drill.” She shooed Banks and Talon away as she winked at Effie and Sadie. “Both of you men get out of here and quit raining on my parade. That goes for you too, Sheriff,” she added, but there was no malice in her tone. She turned her attention to Sadie, a dazzling smile gracing her lips. “You and I have much to discuss.”

12

After the last of the fresh vegetables were diced, Sadie layered them on top of the bowl of lettuce. She turned her attention next to making the salad dressing. This was the end of her first week of working for the Chasings. It sure beat working at the restaurant. Mike wasn’t happy when she quit on the spot, but he seemed to understand that she’d gotten a better position and needed to take the opportunity.